Energy transformation and storage system for heating and cooling

ABSTRACT

The invention described herein represents a significant improvement in the efficiency of heating and cooling processes for applications such as buildings. Multiple energy input means, energy storage, and energy transformation steps are described and integrated to optimize efficiency in many scenarios. An integrated single axle energy transformation system is provide and a microcontroller system for selecting between twelve modes of operation.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention is a Continuation In Part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/217,575 filed on Jul. 7, 2008 and of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/586,784 filed on Sep. 26, 2009.

BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to heat pumps used in heating and cooling a widerange of applications such as in buildings, refrigeration, or industrialprocesses for example. More specifically, this invention relates tomethods to store energy in the form of compressed air, or a phasechanged gas, or a phase changed liquid. Also this invention describesenergy transformation process steps and apparatuses to minimize energyloss as applied to heating and cooling buildings.

BACKGROUND-DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR INVENTION

Heat pumps are well known and have been used for heating and coolingapplications for more than 100 years. As practiced today, heat pumps usea full refrigeration cycle that comprises both a compression componentand an expansion component. The present invention describes integratedheating, cooling, energy transformation and energy storage elements.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention integrates an air, ground, or water sourced heatsink together with a pumping system to perform working fluid phasechanges for either gas to liquid or liquid to gas. The system integratesmultiple energy inputs including electrical energy and kinetic energyand also integrated energy storage in the form of compressed air.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention areapparent. It is an object of the present invention to provide an energyefficient heating processes. It is an object of the present invention toprovide an energy efficient cooling process. It is an object of thepresent invention to store energy in a phase changed state forsubsequent use later in passive heating or cooling. It is an object ofthe present invention to integrate multiple energy inputs, multipleenergy outputs, and energy storage into a single thermal transfersystem.

Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the enclosedfigures and specifications.

DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 a depicts electricity storage and recovery processes of the priorart.

FIG. 1 b depicts energy transformation steps in prior art electricitystorage and recovery processes.

FIG. 2 a depicts energy transformation steps in energy storage andrecovery processes of the present invention.

FIG. 2 b depicts energy transformation steps of the present inventionenergy storage and recovery processes.

FIG. 3 depicts application of in energy storage and recovery processesto heating and cooling applications.

FIG. 4 depicts wind energy storage and recovery processes for heatingand cooling applications.

FIG. 5 depicts solar energy storage and recovery processes for heatingand cooling applications.

FIG. 6 depicts a method for selecting a working fluid for use in storinga capacity to heat as a phase changed gas.

FIG. 7 a depicts a method for performing a cooling function and storinga capacity to heat as a phase transformed fluid.

FIG. 7 b depicts a method for performing a heating function by releasinga stored capacity to heat.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a single axle, multiple energy input,transformation, pumping system.

FIG. 9 a is an assembled view of the single axle, multiple energy input,transformation, pumping system of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 b is a view of the motor/generator of FIG. 8 witched intomotor/generator mode.

FIG. 9 c is a view of the motor/generator of FIG. 9 b switched intopassive mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 a depicts electricity storage and recovery processes of the priorart. An off peak electricity 23 is available in many geographies atdiscounted rates because capacity in electricity production and wheelinginfrastructure is fully utilized during peak operating hours but excesselectricity exists in off peak operating hours. Prior art has endeavoredto store off peak electricity from a variety of electric productionsources. Compressed air storage as a means to store electricity duringoff peak electricity 23, electricity produced by wind energy 33,electricity produced from water energy 37, and energy from a sun 39 areknown in the prior art. The sun 39 can be converted to electricitythrough photovoltaic cells or it can be collected as thermal energy andtransferred as a solar pressure 41 such as steam pressure potentialenergy that drives kinetic energy processes such as rotary turbines. Inthe prior art the sun 39 energy, wind energy 33, and electricityproduced from water energy 37 are converted to electricity by a kineticgenerator 35 that converts motion into electricity. In the prior art,when using air pressure as a store of energy, each of the precedingsources of energy are used to drive an electric air pump 25 for thepurpose of filling an air pressure storage 27 vessel such as afabricated tank or an underground salt cavern. Then, at a subsequentpoint in time, the air from air pressure storage 27 is used to drive anair to electric generator 29 before being released to the environment.The electricity then becomes available for any electric applicationthrough an electricity distribution grid. One application for thisenergy is that of powering a refrigerant pump 31 for use in heatingand/or cooling buildings. Thus, in the prior art, and as outlined inFIG. 1 b, energy from a variety of sources are put through a series oftransformations for the purpose of heating and cooling buildings.

FIG. 1 b depicts energy transformation steps in prior art electricitystorage and recovery processes. When the energy source is the windenergy 33, the water energy 37, or a solar energy 39 a, it comprises afirst kinetic energy 33 a which is used to power the kinetic generator35 to produce a first electric energy 35 a. The first electric energy 35a is used to power the electric air pump 25 which converts electricityto a second kinetic energy 25 a which compresses air from 1 to atmpressure to a higher pressure such as 1000 psi, the pressurized airbeing a potential energy 27 a within the air pressure storage 27. Whenthe energy is withdrawn from storage it is converted from the potentialenergy 27 a to a third kinetic energy 29 a which drives the electricgenerator 29 to produce a second electric energy 29 b which is then usedto drive the refrigerant pump 31 which uses a fourth kinetic energy 31 ato do work on a working fluid and thereby is transformed into a thermalenergy 31 b. Thus the prior art includes a kinetic energy very early onin the energy cycle and multiple transformations before the ultimatework of transforming kinetic energy to thermal transfer energy forheating and cooling can be performed. Each energy transformation occursbelow 100% efficiency such that during every energy transformation step,energy is lost from the system to the surrounding environment. Thereforea system that eliminates energy transformation steps to perform theheating and cooling functions as described in FIGS. 2 a, 2 b andelsewhere in this application is highly desirable.

FIG. 2 a depicts energy transformation steps in energy storage andrecovery processes of the present invention for the purpose of thermalenergy transfer in optimally heating and cooling a space such as abuilding. In the present invention the kinetic energy from the windenergy 33, the water energy 37, or the solar energy 39 a, directlydrives a mechanical air pump 43 which puts air within the air pressurestorage 27 which subsequently is used to directly drive the heat pump.Similarly, the off peak electricity is used to power the electric airpump 25 which puts air within the air pressure storage 27 whichsubsequently is used to directly drive the refrigerant pump 31. Thus, asfurther described in FIG. 2 b, the number of energy transformation stepsof the present invention are significantly less than in the prior art.Also as described in FIGS. 8 and 9 the mechanical air pump 43, theelectric air pump 25, and the refrigerant pump 31 can be integrated intosingle assembly to optimize efficiencies in function, in form, and cost.

FIG. 2 b depicts energy transformation steps of the present inventionenergy storage and recovery processes. When the energy source is thewind energy 33, the water energy 37, or a solar energy 39 a, itcomprises a dedicated kinetic energy 43 a which is directed to drive themechanical air pump 43 which puts air within the air pressure storage 27vessel as the potential energy 27 a which is then used to drive therefrigerant pump 31 which uses the fourth kinetic energy 31 a to do workon a refrigerant and which the refrigerant pump 31 transforms into athermal energy 31 b by actively compressing or expanding the refrigerantas in FIG. 3. FIG. 1 b, the prior art energy storage system, includeseight energy transformation steps to get from an energy input to athermal transfer heating and cooling output including; kinetic energy,electric energy, kinetic energy, potential energy, kinetic energy,electric energy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy. By contrast, inFIG. 2 b, the present invention energy storage system includes fourenergy transformation steps to get from an energy input to a thermaltransfer heating or cooling output including; kinetic energy, potentialenergy, kinetic energy, and thermal energy. In air energy storage andrecovery, eliminating fifty percent of the energy transformation stepsof the prior art makes the current invention dramatically more energyefficient than the prior art. Moreover, as described in FIG. 8 the meansto perform energy transformations including the dedicated kinetic energy43 a, the fourth kinetic energy 31 a, and the thermal energy 31 b can beintegrated into a single assembly to optimize efficiencies in function,in form, and in cost as well as providing additional functionalities.Also the steps of FIG. 2 b assume that energy is to be stored to laterperform a heating and cooling function, the art herein can eliminateadditional steps when input kinetic energy is used to directly drive theheat pump, as is later described and also described in the relatedapplications referenced herein. In a total of twelve operating modes,the art of FIG. 8, the present invention can perform many energytransformation steps with significantly fewer energy transformationsteps compared to the prior art.

FIG. 3 depicts use of energy transformation, storage, and recoveryprocesses for heating and cooling applications. The elements of FIGS. 2a and 2 b are shown integrated with the related invention of patentapplication Ser. No. 12/586,784 referenced herein. A microcontroller 51calculates when to run processes described herein that store energyaccording to input energy availability, anticipated heating or coolingloads, and energy pricing schedules. The microcontroller 51 alsodetermines when to engage specific mechanisms according to FIGS. 8, 9 a,9 b, and 9 c. In addition to storing energy, as described in the relatedpatent application Ser. No. 12/586,784, kinetic energy from the wind,water, or solar sources are alternately used to directly drive therefrigerant pump 31 during times when a cooling or heating function isneeded concurrently with the availability of the energy source. Duringtimes when no heating or cooling function is needed concurrently withthe availability of the energy source, during an air storage time 65,the kinetic energy from the wind, water, or solar source is used todrive mechanical air pump 43 which puts air within the air pressurestorage 27 as the potential energy 27 a which is subsequently used todrive the refrigerant pump 31 at an air release time 61 whereby thermalenergy is transferred in the phase change compression process. Note thattechnically, the air pressure storage 27 can be a negative pressurebelow 1 ATM or a positive pressure above 1 ATM. The operation of therefrigerant pump 31 includes an active gas to liquid change 53 step,where kinetic energy actively drives the heat pump to compress a workingfluid gas to become a working fluid liquid, then a passive evaporator 55step where pressure causes the compressed liquid to controllably undergoa passive liquid to gas change 57 step without application of externalenergy except that thermal energy is absorbed. As discussed in therelated patent applications referenced herein, the preceding processsteps can be done concurrently or not concurrently, and in the latercase, a stored capacity to cool 59 step comprises storage of compressedphase changed liquid at a time to store cool capacity 61 a. Subsequentlya stored gas working fluid 63 is decompressed to passively cool 65 a aspace such as a building. This arrangement can be used to performheating or cooling functions; the compressed phase changed liquidworking fluid being an excellent method of storing energy in the form ofa stored capacity to cool.

Similarly, in an alternate embodiment, as described in the referencedapplication and in FIGS. 6, 7 a, and 7 b, kinetic energy from the wind,water, or solar sources are alternately used to directly drive a vacuumheat pump 31 c during times when a cooling or heating function is neededconcurrently with the availability of the energy source. During timeswhen no heating or cooling function is needed concurrently with theavailability of the energy source, during the air storage time 65, thekinetic energy from the wind, water, or solar sources is used to drivethe mechanical air pump 43 which puts air within the air pressurestorage 27 vessel as the potential energy 27 a to which is subsequentlyused to drive the vacuum heat pump 31 c at the air release time 61whereby thermal energy is absorbed in the phase change evaporationprocess. Note that technically, the air pressure storage 27 can be anegative pressure below 1 ATM or a positive pressure above 1 ATM. As inFIG. 7 a, the operation of the vacuum heat pump 31 c includes an activeliquid to gas change 57 a step, where kinetic energy actively drives thevacuum heat pump 31 c to evaporate a working fluid liquid to be aworking fluid gas, then a passive compressor 55 a step where, as in FIG.7 b, pressure causes the evaporated liquid to under go a passive gas toliquid change 53 a step without adding external energy except thatthermal energy is released. As discussed in the related patentapplications referenced herein, the preceding process steps can be doneconcurrently or not concurrently; in the later case, a stored capacityto heat 63 a step comprises storage of evaporated phase changed gas at atime to store heat capacity 61 b then subsequently a stored liquidworking fluid 59 a step, and a subsequent time to passively heat 65 bwherein a space is heated by the transformation of the stored evaporatedfluid's transformation to become a liquid and heat is released in theprocess. This arrangement can be used to perform heating or coolingfunctions; the negative pressure evaporated phase changed gas workingfluid being an excellent method of storing energy in the form of astored capacity to heat.

As depicted in FIG. 3 and described in FIG. 8, off peak electricity orelectricity generated from wind, water, or solar, or kinetic energy fromthese sources can be substituted above to drive the mechanical air pump43, the refrigerant pump 31, or the vacuum heat pump 31 c.

FIG. 4 depicts wind energy storage and recovery processes for heatingand cooling applications. As in related patent application Ser. No.12/586,784, the wind energy 33 is captured by wind blades 71 whichcauses the blades to rotate a power transmission 73 assembly that ishoused within a wind tower 75. Kinetic energy from the wind istransferred to a first gear 81, then second gear 83, and a third gear 85which drives a mechanical air pump 43. A rudder 77 keeps the wind bladesfacing in an optimal direction for wind capture. The mechanical air pump43 pulls air from an atmosphere 89 at 1 ATM and compresses it to apredetermined pressure such as 500 psi, the air then being transferredthrough an air pipe 87 to the air pressure storage 27 vessel a backcheck valve (not shown) in the air pipe prevents the pressurized airfrom flowing backwards from the air pressure storage through the airpipe. A forward throttle valve (not shown) resides between the airpressure storage vessel and an air pressure mechanical pump 93. Whenpotential stored energy from the air pressure storage vessel is to bereleased to drive the air pressure mechanical pump 93, the forwardthrottle valve opens such that air pressure is released to drive the airpressure mechanical pump 93 which exerts kinetic energy on a workingfluid compression chain 91 which powers the refrigerant pump 31 and theother components within a full heat pump circuit 92 which comprisesstandard system heat pump components including a compressor, acondenser, and an evaporator.

When the wind is not blowing, the off peak electricity 23 can beutilized to power the second kinetic energy 25 a motor which drives anair compression chain 86 to power the mechanical air pump 43 to convertoff peak electricity to compressed air. Also, using the samearchitecture, wind power can be converted to electricity throughoperating the second kinetic energy 25 a as the kinetic generator 35 toconvert kinetic energy from the wind to electricity.

As described in the related application Ser. No. 12/586,784 and in FIGS.3, and 8, the dedicated kinetic energy 43 a can selectively power themechanical air pump 43, the refrigerant pump 31, or the vacuum heat pump31 c. When viewed in light of the related applications referencedherein, the art of FIG. 4 comprising a wind energy capture system thatcan be switched between directly driving a heat pump or driving anenergy storage system or driving an electricity generating system.

As described in FIG. 8, the air pressure mechanical pump 93, therefrigerant pump 31, the second kinetic energy 25 a motor and themechanical air pump 43 can be combined into a single apparatus thateliminates redundant elements, and operates efficiently in form,functions, and cost.

With little modification, such as placing the wind blades 71 into aflowing water stream, water flow can be substituted for air flow as theenergy source.

FIG. 5 depicts solar energy storage and recovery processes for heatingand cooling applications. The storage elements and steps of FIG. 5operate similarly to those of FIG. 4. The energy capture and energyrecovery elements and processes are different. As in related patentapplication Ser. No. 12/586,784 the sun 39 produces electromagneticradiation that is incident upon a reflector 803 to focus energy upon asolar pressure tank 801 so as to heat a water supply 807 to the point ofcreating a high pressure fluid which flows from the solar pressure tankvia a steam pipe 809 to drive a steam motor 811. Kinetic energy from thesteam motor drives air storage elements and processes as discussed inFIG. 4 and alternately may be used to generate electricity as discussedin FIG. 4 or directly drive a heat pump as described in the relatedpatent application. The air pressure transformation to thermal energy inFIG. 5 differs from that of FIG. 4. Whereas in FIG. 4 a chain drives theheat pump compressor pump, in FIG. 5, an air motor compressor 93 aphysically has integrated therein a front half for capturing energy fromair pressure and using it to do work on a working fluid such ascompression or expansion. The air motor compressor 93 a can replace therefrigerant pump 31 or be on a circuit that isolates the air motorcompressor 93 a from the refrigerant pump 31 by valves 94 such that inoperation, when air pressure is used to power the full heat pump circuit92 the valves are in a first setting configuration whereby the air motorcompressor 93 a is in the circuit and the refrigerant pump 31 is not incircuit. When electricity is used to power the full heat pump circuit 92the valves are in a second setting configuration whereby the refrigerantpump 31 is in the circuit and the air motor compressor 93 a is not inthe circuit.

As described in FIG. 8, the steam motor 811, the air motor compressor 93a, the refrigerant pump 31, the second kinetic energy 25 a motor, andthe mechanical air pump 43 can be combined into a single apparatus thateliminates redundant elements, and operates efficiently in form,functions, and cost.

FIG. 6 depicts a method for selecting a working fluid for use in storinga capacity to heat as a phase changed gas. As described in FIGS. 3, 7 a,and 7 b, when using the refrigeration cycle, the work input can be oneon either the compression side of the refrigeration loop (such asputting work into the refrigerant pump 31) alternately, the work can beinput into the expansion side of the refrigeration loop such as puttingwork into the vacuum heat pump 31 c. As in the top portion of FIG. 3, ina refrigeration loop, when work is first actively done to compress aworking fluid, then the expansion of the working fluid can be donepassively since pressure will passively flow from high pressure to lowpressure. The pressurized fluid represents a stored capacity topassively cool. As in the lower portion of FIG. 3, in a refrigerationloop, creating a stored capacity to passively heat is described in FIGS.7 a, and 7 b, whereby work is first done to expand a working fluid froma liquid to a gas, the secondly the recompression of the working fluidis done passively using the art of FIGS. 7 a, and 7 b. FIG. 6 describesa methodology for evaluation refrigerants for use in the art of FIGS. 7a, and 7 b. A working fluid 101 is evaluated at a predetermined coolingtemperature 107 that is above freezing temperature of water, such thatwhen the working fluid is being evaporated, so that efficiency won't bediminished by water freezing on the outside of the system. The coolingtemperature 107 is used to calculate a cooling pressure column 103 foreach prospective working fluid. A heating temperature 109 is selectedfor the compression side and is used to calculate a heating pressurecolumn 105 for each prospective working fluid. When plugging manyhundreds of working fluids into this model together with theirrespective global warming potential, ozone depletion potential,toxicity, flammability, and cost, a suitable working fluid for use inthe art of FIGS. 7 a, and 7 b is selected. A normal boiling point 111significantly lower than water but above freezing has an efficiencyadvantage when actively storing and passively releasing the capacity toheat as an evaporated working fluid as described in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b.In hot climates, storing energy in the form of the capacity to coolenables the use of renewable energy and off peak electricity inputs thatcan be passively released subsequently when the cooling capacity isneeded. In cold climates, storing energy in the form of the capacity toheat enables the use of renewable energy and off peak electricity inputsthat can be passively released subsequently when the heating capacity isneeded such as is described in FIGS. 7 a and 7 b.

FIG. 7 a depicts a method for performing a cooling function and storinga capacity to heat as a phase transformed fluid. The working fluid 101begins as a liquid at 1 ATM and room temperature, work is performed bythe mechanical air pump 43 to take air from the atmosphere 89 and pumpit into an air cylinder 201 creating a pressure therein which causes adual piston rod assembly 203 to move to the right thereby exerting anegative pressure in a gas cylinder 205 which draws in the working fluid101 via a throttle valve 207 which controls the flow of working fluid101 through a cooling pressure column 103 so as to phase change theliquid to become a gas to absorb heat in a cooling thermal energytransfer process and thereby achieve the cooling temperature 107. Ifpropanal of FIG. 6 is the selected refrigerant and three degrees Celsiusis the cooling temperature than the working fluid 101 can begin at 1 ATMand be stored at 0.2 ATM as a stored energy potential to passively heata space such as a building. A hydrophobic membrane (not shown) allowsair to back fill the void created as the working fluid 101 is drawn tothe gas cylinder 205 and in FIG. 7 b the hydrophobic membrane allows airto flow out when the working fluid 101 flows back into its container.The cylinders and assemblies of FIGS. 7 a and 7 b being described in therelated application Ser. No. 12/586,784, the art of FIGS. 7 a and 7 bshowing air as an energy transfer and storage means to actively drive acooling process in FIG. 7 a and to drive a storage of a capacity toheat, and to passively drive a low pressure to high pressure phasechange passive heating process in 7 b.

FIG. 7 b depicts a method for performing a heating function by releasinga stored capacity to heat. When a heating function is needed, a valve(not shown) opens to controllably allow air from the air cylinder 201 toflow through the dedicated kinetic energy 43 a pump which causes thedual piston rod assembly 203 to move to the left thereby exerting apositive pressure in the gas cylinder 205. Also the dedicated kineticenergy 43 a pump drives the fourth kinetic energy 31 a refrigerant pumpwhich pulls in the working fluid from the 0.2 ATM side and deposits iton the 1 ATM side where the working fluid transforms from a gas to aliquid releasing a thermal energy and creating a heating temperature 109thereby passively heating a space such as a building with no externalenergy input. If propanal of FIG. 6 is the selected refrigerant andfifty degrees Celsius is the heating temperature than the working fluid101 can flow back into its original container at 1 ATM.

As described in FIGS. 8, 9 a, 9 b, and 9 c, the mechanical air pump 43,the kinetic energy 43 a air pump, and the fourth kinetic energy 31 arefrigerant pump can be integrated into a single apparatus to improveefficiency, eliminate redundant elements, and lower cost.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a single axis of rotation, multiple energyinput, energy transformation, energy storage, fluid pumping, thermalenergy transfer system. Previous drawings incorporate multiple energyinputs including kinetic energy such as from wind, water, or solar,electricity, and potential energy in the form of stored compressed air.Previous drawings also incorporate pumps as a medium to perform energytransformations for thermal energy transfer in heating or cooling aspace including; vacuum pumping to perform active evaporation of aworking fluid, a working fluid compression pump, an air compressionpump, and an air driven motor. Previous drawings also illustrate use ofan electric motor to transform electricity into kinetic energy and agenerator to transform kinetic energy to electricity. The main focus ofthese energy transformations being directed to efficient and cheapthermal energy transfer for heating and cooling spaces such asbuildings. The art of FIG. 8 describes all of these functionsincorporated into a single product assembly. The elements of FIG. 8share a common axis of rotation which may include an axle to facilitateenergy transfer but can also be engineered to integrate without an axle.

A motor/generator 301 can operate in a first mode as an electric motorwherein electricity is supplied to the motor by an electrical wire 303which creates electromagnetic induction to drive the motor which causesan Axle 305 to rotate to supply rotational kinetic energy as laterdiscussed. In a second operating mode, the motor/generator can operateas an electric generator wherein as later discussed rotational kineticenergy received from the axle 305 which creates electromagneticinduction and powers the generator which sends an electric current fromthe generator through the electric wire 303. A third motor/generator 301mode is described in FIG. 9 c wherein elements of the motor turnpassively without electromagnetic induction and therefore no electricityinput or output. When the motor/generator 301 is operating as a motor,it can selectively power according to the microcontroller 51, a workingfluid compressor 327 when a heat pump compressor bistable solenoidclutch 323 is actuated by the microcontroller such that a heat pumpcompressor bistable solenoid clutch surface 325 physically engages asurface (not show) on the rear side of a working fluid compressor 327which causes the compressor to rotate and therein takes a gas workingfluid 329, compresses it, causing a liquid working fluid 331 phasetransformed and thermal energy transfer for space heating or coolingoutput. Contacts (not shown) that enable switching electric signals topass from circuitry within the generator 301 and its correspondingmicrocontroller 51 to control when to switch the heat pump compressorbistable solenoid clutch 323 to engage and drive or not to engage andnot drive the working fluid compressor 327. As in FIG. 3 work input canbe done through either an active refrigerant compression process or anactive refrigerant evaporation process and the evaporation pump andcompression pump are interchangeable in the art of FIG. 8. A drivinggear 307 is affixed to the axle 305, the driving gear being an interfacewith kinetic energy inputs such as from wind, water and solar.Integrated through the driving gear 307 is a second electrical contact309 and other contacts that enable switching electric signals to passfrom circuitry within the generator 301 and its correspondingmicrocontroller 51 to control a compressor/motor bistable solenoidclutch 311 which receives control signals via contacts including a firstelectrical contact 313 such that in a first mode, the compressor/motorbistable solenoid clutch 311 does not engage a compressor/motor clutchsurface 315 such that compressor/motor 317 does not rotate. In a secondmode, the compressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 is switched toengage a compressor/motor clutch surface 315 such that compressor/motor317 does rotate to do work in taking air from the atmosphere 89 andcompress it to be compressed air 321 which is then stored for later usein a storage vessel as previously discussed. The pumps throughout thisapplication can be standard off the shelf pumps for compressingrefrigerant, evaporating refrigerant, compressing air, and functioningas a compressed air powered motor. It is advantageous if thecompressor/motor 317 operates in the same rotational direction bothduring the compression operation and during the compressed air poweredoperation. An example of a pump that enables same rotational directionduring air compression and during operation as a compressed air poweredmotor being the so called “Quasiturbine” which is produced in Quebec,Canada and is configured with valves to control back flow (not shown) tooperate as a clockwise compressor to compress air and then operate as aclockwise motor driven by compressed air. Other similar functionalityhas been demonstrated with air compressors used for energy storage andrecovery on automobiles for example. For similar reasons, it can beadvantageous to use a single direction working fluid compressor 327 thatboth compresses and decompresses working fluid in the same rotationaldirection.

The heat pump compressor bistable solenoid clutch 323, and thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 are similar to pulleyclutch mechanisms utilized in automobile air conditioner compressors inthat they are electronically controlled to selectively switch to engageto pass kinetic rotational energy from a power source to an automobileair conditioning compressor or to disengage so as not to transferkinetic energy to the compressor. The solenoid of FIGS. 9 b and 9 c aresimilar to those that engage an automobile starter in that they providea linear thrust to engage or disengage as needed. Many suitable solenoidsuppliers and solenoid valve suppliers are known. The heat pumpcompressor bistable solenoid clutch 323, and the compressor/motorbistable solenoid clutch 311 each having a center hole to accept theaxle 305 and being affixed thereto so as to rotate therewith and be ableto transfer rotational kinetic energy both to the axle and from the axledepending upon the modes of operation described below.

The microcontroller 51 calculates when to switch solenoids including theheat pump compressor bistable solenoid clutch 323, the compressor/motorbistable solenoid clutch 311, and the solenoid of FIGS. 9 b and 9 caccording to environmental conditions and for optimal efficiency. Themicrocontroller also controls valves (not sown) as needed. For exampleif the wind is blowing above a certain threshold and a cooling functionis needed, the microcontroller switches as follows. The motor/generator301 is switched to a passive mode as in FIG. 9 c, the heat pumpcompressor bistable solenoid clutch 323 is switched to engage theworking fluid compressor 327, and the compressor/motor bistable solenoidclutch 311 is switched so as not to engage the compressor/motor 317.Thus as the wind blows according to FIG. 4, the kinetic energy isreceived by the driving gear 307 which drives the working fluidcompressor 327 which drives the cooling function. In another example, ifthe wind is blowing above a certain threshold and a cooling function isnot needed, the motor/generator 301 is switched to a passive mode as inFIG. 9 c, the heat pump compressor bistable solenoid clutch 323 isswitched to not engage the working fluid compressor 327, and thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 is switched to engage thecompressor/motor 317. Thus as the wind blows according to FIG. 4, thekinetic energy is received by the driving gear 307 which drives thecompressor/motor 317 to compress air and store it as potential energyfor later use. And in a third example, if the wind is blowing above acertain threshold and a cooling function is not needed and thecompressed air storage vessel is filled to capacity, the motor/generator301 is switched to an active mode as in FIG. 9 b, the heat pumpcompressor bistable solenoid clutch 323 is switched so as not to engagethe working fluid compressor 327, and the compressor/motor bistablesolenoid clutch 311 is switched so as not to engage the compressor/motor317. Thus as the wind blows according to FIG. 4, the kinetic energy isreceived by the driving gear 307 which drives the motor/generator 301 toproduce electricity for distribution on the electric grid. Themicrocontroller can also control solenoid valves (not shown) to achieveobjectives for example, when compressed air is to be recovered fromstorage to drive either electricity generation or refrigerantcompression or refrigerant evaporation, an air throttle valve (notshown) is opened to cause compressed air to controllably drive thecompressor/motor 317 when not opened, his same valve prevents compressedair from backing out through the compressor/motor 317. A similarsolenoid value (not shown) is provided to control back flow of workingfluid refrigerant flow back through the working fluid compressor 327.Reed valves can be utilized herein as needed to enable fluid flow in onedirection but not in the opposite direction.

The driving gear 307 may have a free wheeling mechanism so as to engagethe axle in one rotational direction and to rotate freely during spin inthe opposite direction. Additionally, the kinetic energy input means(the gears that communicate wind, water, and solar kinetic energy intothe driving gear 307) may have free wheeling mechanisms such that theycan be switched to freewheel so as not to impose rotational resistanceon the axle in certain modes of operation.

The discussion under FIG. 8 thus far describes two energy transformationscenarios, following are a discussion of the range of energytransformations controllably performed by the art to of FIGS. 8, 9 a, 9b, and 9 c. Note that in each transformation example, unless specifiedto be engaged, the two solenoids clutches of FIG. 8 and the one solenoidof FIG. 9 b are not switched to be engaged.

In a first energy transformation process, electrical energy is receivedvia the electric wire 303 to drive the motor/generator 301, thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 is switched to engage todrive the compressor/motor 317 and the axle 305 such that electricalenergy is converted to kinetic energy which is converted to potentialenergy in the form of stored compressed air. The heat pump compressorbistable solenoid clutch 323 rotates with the axle but is not switchedto be engaged. In this transformation, the motor/generator 301 isswitched in an active setting according to FIG. 9 b.

In a second energy transformation process, kinetic energy is receivedvia the driving gear 307 to drive the axle 305, the compressor/motorbistable solenoid clutch 311 is switched to engage to drive thecompressor/motor 317 such that kinetic energy is converted to potentialenergy in the form of stored compressed air. The heat pump compressorbistable solenoid clutch 323 rotates with the axle but is not switchedto be engaged. In this transformation, the motor/generator 301 isswitched in a passive setting according to FIG. 9 c.

In a third energy transformation process, electrical energy is receivedvia the electric wire 303 to drive the motor/generator 301 and the axle305, the heat pump compressor bistable solenoid clutch 323 is switchedto engage to drive the working fluid compressor 327 such that electricalenergy is converted to kinetic energy which is converted to thermalenergy in the form of a phase transformed working fluid. Thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 rotates with the axle butis not switched to be engaged. In this transformation, themotor/generator 301 is switched in an active setting according to FIG. 9b.

In a forth energy transformation process, kinetic energy is received viathe driving gear 307 to drive the axle 305, the heat pump compressorbistable solenoid clutch 323 is switched to engage and drive the workingfluid compressor 327 such that kinetic energy is converted to thermalenergy in the form of a phase transformed working fluid. Thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 rotates with the axle butis not switched to be engaged. In this transformation, themotor/generator 301 is switched in a passive setting according to FIG. 9c.

In a fifth energy transformation process, kinetic energy is received viathe driving gear 307 to drive the axle 305, which (as described in FIGS.9 b, and 9 c), causes the inner components of the motor/generator 301 torotate relative to its stationary elements such that an electric currentis induced an exits via the electric wire 303. Thus kinetic energy isconverted to electrical energy for distribution on an electric grid. Thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 rotates with the axle butis not switched to be engaged. The heat pump compressor bistablesolenoid clutch 323 rotates with the axle but is not switched to beengaged. In this transformation, the motor/generator 301 is switched inan active setting according to FIG. 9 b.

In a sixth energy transformation process, electrical energy is receivedvia the electric wire 303 to drive the motor/generator 301 and the axle305, the driving gear 307 drives a mechanical process (not shown) thuselectrical energy is converted to kinetic energy to drive any processthat can utilize rotational kinetic energy. The compressor/motorbistable solenoid clutch 311 rotates with the axle but is not switchedto be engaged. The heat pump compressor bistable solenoid clutch 323rotates with the axle but is not switched to be engaged. In thistransformation, the motor/generator 301 is switched in an active settingaccording to FIG. 9 b.

In a seventh energy transformation process, potential energy is releasedfrom stored compressed air to drive the compressor/motor 317, thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 is switched to be engagedwhich causes the axle to rotate together with the driving gear 307 whichdrives a mechanical process (not shown) thus potential energy isconverted to kinetic energy to drive any process that can utilizerotational kinetic energy. The heat pump compressor bistable solenoidclutch 323 rotates with the axle but is not switched to be engaged. Inthis transformation, the motor/generator 301 is switched in a passivesetting according to FIG. 9 c.

In an eighth energy transformation process, potential energy is releasedfrom stored compressed air to drive compressor/motor 317, thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 is switched to be engagedwhich causes the axle 305 to rotate, which (as described in FIGS. 9 b,and 9 c), causes the inner components of the motor/generator 301 torotate relative to its stationary elements such that an electric currentis induced and exits via the electric wire 303. Thus potential energy isconverted to kinetic energy which is then converted to electricalenergy. The heat pump compressor bistable solenoid clutch 323 rotateswith the axle but is not switched to be engaged. In this transformation,the motor/generator 301 is switched in an active setting according toFIG. 9 b.

In an ninth energy transformation process, potential energy is releasedfrom stored compressed air to drive compressor/motor 317 thecompressor/motor bistable solenoid clutch 311 is switched to be engagedwhich causes the axle 305 to rotate, which (as described in FIGS. 9 c)rotates the inner components of the motor/generator 301 and thestationary elements such that no electric current is induced and themotor is in a rotational state but is electrically passive such that nelectromagnetic induction occurs. The heat pump compressor bistablesolenoid clutch 323 rotates with the axle and is switched to be engagedand drive the working fluid compressor 327 such that potential energyfrom stored air is converted to kinetic energy which is converted tothermal energy in the form of a phase transformed working fluid. In thistransformation, the motor/generator 301 is switched in a passive settingaccording to FIG. 9 c.

In a tenth energy transformation process, compressed working fluid canbe backed into electrical energy by engaging the heat pump compressorbistable solenoid clutch 323 to drive the motor/generator 301. In thistransformation, the motor/generator 301 is switched in a active settingaccording to FIG. 9 b. Also thermal energy is absorbed as the workingfluid is transformed from a liquid to a gas.

In an eleventh energy transformation process, compressed working fluidcan be backed into kinetic energy by engaging the heat pump compressorbistable solenoid clutch 323 to drive the driving gear 307 and a processnot show engaging therewith. In this transformation, the motor/generator301 is switched in a passive setting according to FIG. 9 c. Also thermalenergy is absorbed as the working fluid is transformed from a liquid toa gas.

In an twelfth energy transformation process, compressed working fluidcan be backed into potential energy by engaging the heat pump compressorbistable solenoid clutch 323 and the compressor/motor bistable solenoidclutch 311 to drive the compressor/generator 317. In thistransformation, the motor/generator 301 is switched in a passive settingaccording to FIG. 9 c. Also thermal energy is absorbed as the workingfluid is transformed from a liquid to a gas.

FIG. 9 a is an assembled view of the single axle, multiple energy input,transformation, pumping system of FIG. 8. An energy transformationsystem 300 comprises the elements and operations of FIG. 8. It should benoted that systems that are dedicated to perform a subset of thedescribed twelve energy transformations may comprise a subset of theelements of FIGS. 8 and 9 a.

FIG. 9 b is a view of the motor/generator of FIG. 8 switched intoelectrically active motor/generator mode. A magnet 353 is affixed to astator 351 by a stator engaged solenoid 357 which physically connectsthe magnet 353 to the stator 351 such that as a windings/brushesassembly 355 rotates with the axle 305, the magnet 353, stator 351, andstator engaged solenoid 357 remain stationary. As discussed in FIG. 8,all energy transformations to or from electricity (when themotor/generator 301 operates actively as either a motor or a generatorusing electromagnetic induction) are performed with the stator engagedsolenoid 357 switched into this configuration such that inductionoccurs.

FIG. 9 c is a view of the motor/generator of FIG. 9 b switched into anelectrically passive mode. An assembly engaged solenoid 357 a isswitched to disengage with the stator 351 and to instead engage with thewindings/brushes assembly 355. This configuration comprises a lockedmotor/compressor 301 a wherein when the windings/brushes assembly 355rotates with the axle 305, the magnet 353, and stator engaged solenoid357 rotate with them too while the stator 351 remains stationary. Asdiscussed in FIG. 8, all energy transformations where the axle transferskinetic energy from one side of the motor/generator to the other side ofthe motor/generator (and no electromagnetic induction to or fromelectricity is desired) are performed with the assembly engaged solenoid357 a switched into this configuration. Switching the motor into thelocked motor/compressor 301 a configuration ensures that no kineticenergy is wasted generating undesired electricity. The motor/generatoris passive with kinetic energy passing there through via the axle whileno resistance is caused by electromagnetic induction.

Whereas as FIG. 9 b shows some elements within the motor/generatorturning with the axle and FIG. 9 c shows additional elements within themotor/generator turning with the axle for the purposes of eliminatingthe induction interaction between elements within the motor/generator soas not to waste energy, an alternate embodiment is to change the art ofFIG. 9 c so that fewer elements within the motor/generator rotate withthe axle such that when the axle rotates no motor/generator inductionoccurs. In either case, the elements within the motor/generator movingrelative to one another are reduced to minimize induction as aresistance to passive kinetic energy transformation from one end of themotor/generator, through the axle to the other end of themotor/generator such that kinetic energy efficiency is transferredwithin minimal loss to the resistance of electrical induction.

To configure elements of an electric motor to selectively switch betweennot rotating and rotating, additional electrical contacts and bearings(not shown) can be added to the switchable elements to ensure theyrotate efficiently when needed and also maintain electrical connectivityboth when rotating and not rotating.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

Operation of the invention has been discussed under the above headingand is not repeated here to avoid redundancy.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus the reader will see that the apparatus and processes of thisinvention provides an efficient, energy saving, greenhouse gas reducing,thermal pollution reducing, novel, unanticipated, highly functional andreliable means for heating and cooling buildings.

As utilized in this application, the terms “refrigerant” and “workingfluid” have the same meaning.

An axle as utilized herein is a connective means to transfer rotationalenergy along a common rotational axis from on element to another elementsuch as between the expanded elements in FIG. 8. It is understood thatone element can be affixed to another in a manner where no central axleis necessary but where rotational energy is transferred along a sharedrotational axis. As used herein this is synonymous with an axle. Anexample of connecting elements with no central axle are the solenoidclutch interfaces described herein that transfer rotational energy fromone element to another on a shared rotational axis wherein the axle acentral hub type axle does not need to physically connect to bothelements. All elements described in FIG. 8 can be similarly connectedwith no recognizable central hub axle but they do share a common axis ofrotation and the ability to transfer rotational energy herein to meetthe definition of axle intended herein.

For specific applications, elements of the energy transformationapparatus of FIG. 8 may be eliminated to reduce cost. Also novel andunobvious elements in the energy transformation apparatus of FIG. 8 canbe used for applications beyond heating and cooling spaces.

While the above description describes many specifications, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, butrather as an exemplification of a preferred embodiment thereof. Manyother variations are possible.

1) A thermal energy transfer system comprising; a refrigerant pumpselected from the group consisting of; a refrigerant compression pumpand a refrigerant expansion pump, an air compression pump, a compressedair storage vessel, an energy source selected from the group consistingof; electricity, solar electromagnetic radiation, wind, and movingwater, and wherein in a first operating mode, said selected energysource drives the selected refrigerant pump to perform a thermal energytransfer process selected from the group consisting of; heating a space,and cooling a space, and wherein in a second operating mode, saidselected energy source drives said air compression pump to compress airfor storage in said air storage vessel, and wherein in a third operatingmode, the stored compressed air is released from said storage vesselproviding a kinetic energy which drives said selected refrigerant pumpto perform a thermal energy transfer process selected from the groupconsisting of; heating a space, and cooling a space. 2) The thermalenergy transfer system of claim 1 wherein in said third operating mode,said released air passes through and motivates said air compression pumpwhich transfers energy from said stored compressed air to drive saidselected refrigerant pump to perform said selected thermal transferprocess. 3) The thermal energy transfer system of claim 1 wherein duringtheir respective operating times said air compression pump and saidselected refrigerant pump share a common drive axis of rotation. 4) Thethermal energy transfer system of claim 3 wherein a rotating axle isprovided which shares said common axis of rotation and whentransitioning between two of the said operating modes, a controlledtransition is selected from the group consisting of said refrigerantpump is selectively controlled to either begin to rotate with saidrotating axle or to stop rotating with said rotating axle, said air pumpis selectively controlled to either being to rotate with said rotatingaxle or to stop rotating with said rotating axle, and said energy sourceis an electric motor having electromagnetic induction means whichselectively are controlled to either begin to actively motivate saidaxle to rotate utilizing induction or to passively rotate with saidrotating axle without electromagnetic induction. 5) The thermal energytransfer system of claim 1 wherein electricity is selected as the energysource and an electric motor is provided to utilize electricity, akinetic energy input means is provided to utilize a second energy sourceselected from the group consisting of; said solar electromagneticradiation, said wind, and said moving water, and a means to switchbetween electricity energy and the second energy source is provided,wherein the selected refrigerant pump can be selectively drivenalternately by either electricity or by kinetic energy. 6) The thermalenergy transfer system of claim 1 wherein an electric motor is provided,and a kinetic energy input means is provided, and said second operatingmode is selected and comprises a means to switch between running oneither a first energy source or a second selected energy source toselectively drive said air compression pump, the first selectable energysource being said electricity to drive said motor to drive said aircompression pump to compress air for storage in said air storage vessel,the second selected energy source being one selected from the groupconsisting of; said solar electromagnetic radiation, said wind, and saidmoving water, and wherein said second selected energy source provideskinetic energy to drive said kinetic energy input means to drive saidair compression pump to compress air for storage in said air storagevessel. 7) The thermal energy transfer system of claim 1 wherein arefrigerant storage vessel is provided and in a fourth operating modesaid selected refrigerant pump operates to causes a refrigerant to beplaced into said refrigerant storage vessel and during a fifth operatingmode said refrigerant is to removed from said refrigerant vessel toperform a thermal transfer function comprising one selected from thegroup consisting of; a space heating process and a space coolingprocess. 8) A thermal energy transfer system comprising; an axle havingan axis of rotation, an electromagnetic induction means sharing saidaxis of rotation and selected from the group consisting of an electricmotor, and an electric generator, a refrigerant pump sharing said axisof rotation and selected from the group consisting of; a refrigerantcompression pump, and a refrigerant evaporation pump, and also sharingthe axis of rotation one energy transformation means selected from thegroup consisting of, an air compressor, a compressed air powered motor,and a kinetic energy input gear in communication with a kinetic energysource selected from the group consisting of solar electromagneticradiation, wind, and moving water. 9) thermal energy transfer means ofclaim 8 wherein said axle is caused to rotate, and a microcontroller isprovided to selectively switch between operating states selected fromthe group consisting of; said selected refrigerant pump is selectivelycontrolled to either begin to rotate with said rotating axle or to stoprotating with said rotating axle, an air compressor is selected and saidair compressor is selectively controlled to either being to rotate withsaid rotating axle or to stop rotating with said rotating axle, saidelectric motor having electromagnetic induction means which selectivelyare controlled to either begin to actively motivate said axle to rotateutilizing induction or to passively rotate with said rotating axlewithout electromagnetic induction, and said electric generator havingelectromagnetic induction means which selectively are controlled toeither begin to rotate with said axle to produce electricity or topassively rotate with said rotating axle without producing electricity.10) thermal energy transfer means of claim 8 wherein; an electric motoris selected, and a microcontroller is provided, and wherein saidmicrocontroller selectively switches between said selected refrigerantpump being driven by said electric motor and said selected refrigerantpump being driven by a selected kinetic energy input gear, and whereinin either case said driving of said refrigerant pump is utilized in athermal transfer process to heat or cool a space. 11) thermal energytransfer means of claim 8 wherein; an electric motor is selected, and anair pump is selected, a kinetic energy input ear is provided, and amicrocontroller is provided and wherein said microcontroller selectivelyswitches between said air pump being driven by said electric motor andsaid air pump being driven by said kinetic energy input gear, andwherein in either case said driving of said air pump produces a storedenergy in the form of compressed air. 12) thermal energy transfer meansof claim 11 wherein; said compressed air is released and energy therefrom drives said selected refrigerant pump to perform a thermal transferprocess to heat or cool a space. 13) A thermal energy transfer meanscomprising, an air pump, a refrigerant pump, an air storage vessel, apressure transfer piston, a refrigerant, a liquid refrigerant storagevessel, a gas refrigerant storage vessel, and wherein said air pumpoperates to cause a pressure change within said air storage vessel, saidpressure change being transferred by said pressure transfer piston fromsaid air storage vessel to said gas refrigerant vessel to drawrefrigerant from said liquid refrigerant storage vessel into said gasrefrigerant storage vessel, said drawing of said refrigerant causing aliquid to gas phase change that absorbs thermal energy. 14) thermalenergy transfer means of claim 13 wherein, said pressure change withinsaid air storage is caused to reverse such that air flows in theopposite direction and energy from said reverse air flow powers saidrefrigerant pump to draw refrigerant from said gas refrigerant storagevessel into said liquid refrigerant storage vessel, said drawing of saidrefrigerant causing a gas to liquid phase change that emits thermalenergy.